SCRIPTURE: Acts 10:9-23
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:15)
In the Jewish Law, there were long lists of ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’.
These were object lessons to teach the lesson of holiness vs. unholiness.
But these laws were temporary, put in place until Jesus came.
Through His death, Jesus has restored God’s creation and family to holiness.
Jesus has changed everything, which is why I am a new testament believer.
We should not read the old testament (Jewish Bible) as a Law Book.
It does teach helpful principles, but we are not bound by it’s specific precepts.
The temple, the altar, the priesthood, the sacrifices, the civil laws, the tithe, etc.
We can learn from them as symbols, but they are no longer commands to be obeyed.
We are now under the Law of Christ, the Law of Love which Jesus taught and lived.
It was not easy for Peter and other Jewish Christians to accept this.
Even in my experience, many Gentile Christians want to reimpose the laws of Moses.
“But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:18)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, save me from my tendency to cling to rules and rituals, and forget You and love and justice and integrity. Fill me with Your Spirit, that I may fulfill Your Law of love!
Observation/Application
Spending time with God at a special time and place – a roof top was a great alone place to do just that.
Peter’s vision – he saw three times. Emphasis by God and preparation for Peter and also all Christians.
Christ had told His disciples to go to all nations/peoples and Cornelius men were standing at the door. What could Peter say but I will go. A new mind set.
God is the Creator and did make all things. The old has gone and the new Way has come. The animals in the sheet were taken back into heaven. God’s creations. God’s acceptance. And ours too. All is the Lord’s and all is for His glory and His purpose. A new vision for Peter’s ministry and God’s preparation of him for service. God gives His people strength both then and today. His people/I need to be open to His leading.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.